Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament Mahua Moitra has alleged that joint secretaries from the Central Government are forming clandestine WhatsApp groups with micro observers to manipulate voter lists in West Bengal.
Moitra made these claims during a media briefing following a meeting with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal. She was accompanied by a five-member delegation from the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), which included West Bengal Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, TMC leader Pratima Mondal, TMC MP Partha Bhowmick, and West Bengal Higher Education Minister Bratya Basu.
Moitra referenced guidelines set by the Supreme Court, asserting that micro observers are non-statutory roles intended solely to assist Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant EROs (AEROs). She expressed serious concerns over the actions of joint secretaries of the Central Government, specifically mentioning an individual named Mr. Murugan, who is allegedly leading these WhatsApp groups. Moitra stated that these groups are being used to issue improper directives, including requests to delete voters from the electoral rolls.
“We have concluded a meeting with the CEO of West Bengal, raising several critical issues. The foremost concern is that, despite clear Supreme Court directions, central government joint secretaries continue to create secret WhatsApp groups with micro observers,” Moitra explained. She reiterated that the role of micro observers should be strictly limited to aiding EROs and AEROs, in accordance with the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Additionally, Moitra urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to guarantee that every eligible voter maintains their registration on the electoral rolls. She also voiced her criticism of the decision to suspend seven West Bengal officials without providing them an opportunity to present their defense. “The motive of the election commission should not be punitive. It should be to ensure that every valid voter remains on the rolls,” she emphasized. Moitra highlighted the importance of due process, arguing that even those accused of major crimes are granted a chance to defend themselves.
In her comments about the suspension of the seven officers, Moitra emphasized the principles of justice, stating that the absence of a show-cause notice violates legal norms: “Even a criminal, or a murderer, is entitled to a defense. Without this procedure, you cannot impose a suspension,” she remarked. She called upon the Election Commission to rectify the situation by ensuring that the processes for reviewing voter registrations are fair and transparent.
Moitra concluded her statements by demanding that the Election Commission open the necessary portals for the one lakh-plus pending cases awaiting documentation. She insisted that these measures are vital to uphold the integrity of the electoral process in West Bengal and protect the rights of voters.
Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!
App Store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540
Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share